Thursday, October 30, 2008

...Shaws stepped forward and gave the shelter mentioned in the article below $1000 to cover the losses from the burglary. I also sent them a check, and I know a variety of other people and groups got involved to help out. It's just amazing to me that someone could steal from a place that is struggling to do good and save animals in need.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Money stolen from Wareham animal shelterFunds were to be used for veterinary care

EAST WAREHAM - Nearly $1,000 reportedly was stolen Saturday evening or early Sunday morning in a break-in at A Helping Paw, a private animal shelter in East Wareham.

Shelter president Chrissy Tomkiewicz said most of the money, about $800, was to have been used to pay for veterinary care to get eight animals ready for adoption.

"They took the raffle money, the adoption money, the sales money, the donation jar, they took it all," Tomkiewicz said Sunday afternoon. "This is a terrible blow."

"They took the raffle money, the adoption money, the sales money, the donation jar, they took it all. This is a terrible blow." - Chrissy TomkiewiczShe said the theft has been reported to the Wareham Police Department, which is investigating.

Tomkiewicz said the thief or thieves apparently got into the building at 3166 Cranberry Highway, just across the Buzzards Bay line in East Wareham, by opening a storm window outside the cat adoption room.

She said a couple of volunteers who were scheduled to come in to clean the shelter Sunday morning noticed the storm window was slightly askew, and then discovered that the money had been stolen.

A Helping Paw is a private animal shelter unaffiliated with the town. The organization, which was founded by Tomkiewicz, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Helping Paw officials already are concerned whether the shelter will be able to raise $30,000 by December to fund its operation for another year. With the slump in the economy, Tomkiewicz said, donations are down.

At present, A Helping Paw is sheltering a couple of dogs and 20 cats, as well as rats, hamsters and ferrets.

Tomkiewicz said the overnight theft is the worst but not the first theft to befall the shelter. Over the years, people have stolen donated Beanie Babies, the coin donation jar, and, a few weeks ago, checks left in the shelter's street mailbox. As a result of the last, the shelter now has obtained a post office box.

People who wish to help A Helping Paw may send donations to Box 387, Buzzards Bay MA, 02532.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

With all the talk of bulls and bears lately, what’s happening to cats and dogs?

At New York City’s main animal shelter, monthly calls to the volunteers who can help people keep their pets through tough financial times doubled, to 225 from 115, between January and September. Read More Here.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Halloween Can Be a Scary Holiday ... for PetsGhosts and goblins walk the streets, approaching homes collecting treats. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) cautions people about keeping their pets safe and preventing dog bite injuries this Halloween. http://www.avma.org.

While some dogs may understand that costumes and excited children are all part of the holiday fun, many dogs are fearful of common Halloween activities. This creates an increased potential for dog bites. Read more HERE.

“Our Place to Paws” was born when a writer was sitting at her computer unable to get any work done. The cat curled happily on her lap was purring loudly and licking her hands as she tried to type. The writer realized that if she was unwilling to remove the cat, she was unlikely to get her work done, or frankly to ever go far as a serious professional. A long and honest examination of her priorities revealed that she was indeed unwilling – or pathologically unable – to disturb the cat. So the writer started an e-newsletter and a Web site instead, and the cat kept purring. Would you like to learn more, send ideas or subscribe to the e-newsletter? Write to: OurPlaceToPaws (at) aol.com.